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Old 07-28-2012, 03:54 AM   #4 (permalink)
Josh8loop
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NoD~ View Post
I've been researching DIY panels and looking into replacing my sunroof on my Neon w/ plexi and an array. I figure I can get 60~80 watts in there pretty easily to help reduce alternator load, charge while parked, and run some fans in cab for cooling when parked in the sun.

My research suggests getting a small charge controller for your experiment. They will only send the power from the solar array to the battery if the voltage is lower than a specific value (pending controller/battery setting).

Seems most people suggested ~18v for the array. The charge controllers seem to be able to take up to 22v pretty easily.

Hope that helps any.

Right, may want to move towards a MPPT(maximum power point tracking) charge controller specifically, and verify your max panel output isn't over what the charge controller can handle.

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2002 VW Jetta TDI 5-speed(completed 01M-5-speed swap at 155K miles) 45 MPG City with the 01M, 5-speed 60+ MPG City. Nokian Entyre Low RR Tires. Experimenting with the "Hybrid" 205 Deg F T-stat:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread...=306799&page=4

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